Graphic Novels in Your School Library

by Jesse Karp, Rush Kress

Overview

Many educators now agree that graphic novels inform as well as entertain, and to dismiss the educational potential of the graphic novel is to throw away a golden opportunity to reach out to young readers. This dynamic book takes a look at the term “graphic novel,” how the format has become entwined in our culture, and the ways in which graphic novels can be used in the library and in the classroom. Graphic novel expert Karp * Introduces the history, the symbols, and the conventions of the form * Provides annotated lists of core titles to help K–12 librarians build their collections * Offers lesson plans that use graphic novels to impart facts and enliven discussion on everything from life skills and dating to history A one-stop resource which keeps the school library firmly at center stage, this eye-opening book will change your view of graphic novels.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838910894
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	11/16/2011
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.34(d)
Age Range:	3 Months

About the Author

Jesse Karp has been a school librarian at LREI (Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High School), one of Manhattan’s oldest independent schools, for more than 10 years. He works with students across the curriculum, from beginning readers to high school students, with all kinds of material, including graphic novels. He regularly reviews graphic novels and picture books for Booklist and contributes to the magazine’s yearly graphic novel best list roundup, as well as having written articles for Book Links and American Libraries. He has delivered seminars on the sequential art form at Pratt Institute and Queens College and teaches a graduate course about the history and analysis of the form at Pratt. He has served as a graphic novel panelist at Book Expo America for two years running and served on YALSA’s Great Graphic Novels for Teens committee from 2009 to 2012. He co-created the education webcomic “Dr. Lollipop” and is the author of the young adult novel Those That Wake, which is set in Manhattan, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. His website is Beyond Where You Stand.

Rush Kress graduated from the illustrious Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Illustration in 1999. He has produced corporate comics for Derivatives Strategy magazine, cocreated the education webcomic “Dr. Lollipop,” and produced assorted covers for Early Music America magazine. He lives and works in New York City.

Editorial Reviews

What? Another book about graphic novels in the library media center? This title might not touch on a new topic for seasoned librarians, but the content is still relevant. Karp opens with an overview of graphic novels and their history, explains what they are and are not, how they work, and their value to students. He discusses understanding sequential art and story construction and art as a visual language, and suggests discussion and essay topics. He only touches on manga, focusing primarily on American or Western comics. The book is rounded out with an annotated list, divided by grade levels and lesson plans. This book updates some of the classic professional titles that are still useful but that don't include many of the newer titles. A worthwhile addition.—Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Marine Park, NY

School Library Journal